Paneuropa: Freedom of Movement is a Cornerstone of European Integration
Paneuropa: Freedom of Movement is a Cornerstone of European Integration
Abolishing fundamental freedoms leads to the abolition of a united Europe
The Paneuropa Movement Austria views Vice-Chancellor Strache’s recent considerations regarding a restriction on the free movement of persons as a “nationalist dead end with an abyss”. As Rainhard Kloucek, Secretary General of the Paneuropa Movement Austria, makes clear: “The four fundamental freedoms are the cornerstones of European integration. This applies especially to the free movement of persons.”
There are already too many restrictions on these fundamental freedoms, such as the Posting of Workers Directive or other protectionist measures from the poison chest of the paternalistic nation-state. These restrictions are not made any better by the fact that they are supported by parties that describe themselves as pro-European.
“To solve the upcoming problems in Europe, we do not need more planned-economy interventions of the kind the Vice-Chancellor is demanding with his remarks, but rather far more market-economy approaches,” Rainhard Kloucek maintains. “This applies above all to the labour market.” What is necessary is not a restriction of fundamental freedoms, such as the free movement of persons, but their full implementation within a genuine, complete single market.
“Furthermore, justifying the restriction of freedoms for free EU citizens with the alleged interests of the Eastern European population is cynical,” says Kloucek. Naturally, certain states have challenges to master regarding the emigration of skilled workers; however, the economic success of these states is based on the freedoms within a united Europe. These freedoms must be defended and expanded for all EU citizens.
“This requires the removal of the many restrictions that are still in force, and some of which are only just coming into force,” says the Secretary General of the Paneuropa Movement Austria. He adds: “This also includes the abolition of the visa regime for Kosovo!”
